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Bathroom safety is of utmost importance for all users of this space. Yet, it's especially so for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with limited mobility. So, being able to use the bathroom safely and independently is crucial in ensuring everyone feels at ease. 
Yet, as one of the wettest rooms in the home, our bathrooms can pose many potential risks. But, by making just a  few small changes to your bathroom, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone. 
Here, The Bathroom Showroom offers several simple but practical tips and suggestions for improving bathroom safety for different age groups and individuals with varying physical abilities.

How to Improve Bathroom Safety for Children

Children are naturally curious and may not fully understand the potential dangers that the bathroom environment poses. To ensure their safety, there are several measures you can implement to help here:
  • Install childproof locks: Keep bathroom cabinets and bathroom drawers locked to prevent access to harmful substances such as cleaning products and medications.
  • Non-slip mats: Consider adding a non-slip mat both inside and outside of your bath and shower to prevent slips and falls.
  • Lower the water temperature: Adjust your water heater to ensure the water temperature doesn't exceed a child-safe level. Scalds can easily occur with hot water, so it's important to take this precaution with very young children.
  • Opt for child-friendly taps: Taps with cold-start technology, soft-turn technology and anti-scald device control offer improved safety features to keep children safe. The Bathroom Showroom offers a selection of child-friendly tap designs including Roca Atlas, Roca Targa, and Roca Alfa.

Bathroom Safety Tips for the Elderly

As individuals age, their balance and mobility may decline, increasing the risk of bathroom accidents. To enhance bathroom safety for the elderly, consider the following suggestions:
  • Grab bars and handrails: Install sturdy grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide support and stability. Handrails can also be beneficial for individuals with limited mobility.
  • Raised toilet seats: A raised toilet seat can make it easier for elderly individuals to sit down and stand up, reducing the risk of falls.
  • Non-slip surfaces: Ensure that bathroom surfaces, including floors and bathtubs, are equipped with non-slip materials or mats to prevent slipping. 
  • Good lighting choices: Proper lighting is essential to minimise the risk of trips and falls. Install bright, well-placed lights to enhance visibility, particularly during night-time bathroom visits.

Enhancing Bathroom Safety for Individuals with Limited Mobility

Members of the home with limited mobility may face unique challenges when using the bathroom. Here are some suggestions to help improve bathroom safety for them:
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Ensure doorways and pathways leading to the bathroom are wide enough for wheelchair users. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower to aid mobility.
  • Walk-in showers or bathtub modifications: Consider replacing traditional bathtubs with walk-in showers or installing bathtub modifications such as transfer benches and handheld showerheads to facilitate safer bathing experiences.
  • Slip-resistant flooring: Opt for slip-resistant flooring to reduce the risk of falls and provide better traction for those with limited mobility.
  • Accessible basins and countertops: Install basins and countertops at a lower height to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Promoting Bathroom Safety for Guests

It's also good to ensure that your bathroom is safe for guests, regardless of their age or physical abilities. Consider these tips to create a welcoming and secure bathroom environment:
  • Well-stocked essentials: Ensure your bathroom is well-equipped with essential items such as toilet paper, hand soap, and clean towels. This helps minimise the need for guests to search for items, reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Clear bathroom pathways: Remove any clutter or obstacles in the way, ensuring clear pathways for easy navigation.
  • Adequate lighting: Ensure the bathroom is well-lit to enhance visibility and avoid accidents, especially for guests who are unfamiliar with your bathroom layout.
  • Provide clear instructions: If you have any specific bathroom instructions or precautions, such as how to operate the shower, it's helpful to provide clear instructions to guests.

Improving Bathroom Safety Helps Everyone Use and Enjoy This Space

Ultimately, taking steps to improve bathroom safety is crucial for everyone, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with limited mobility.
By implementing small but practical tips and making necessary modifications, you can create a safer and more accessible bathroom environment for all, offering peace of mind to everyone who uses this space. 
For more bathroom ideas and bathroom inspiration, take a look at both our Blog and Rest & Relaxation section.
If you’re looking to create a safer bathroom environment, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.